Adam Smith Statue
Bronze tribute to the father of modern economics on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
Standing prominently on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Adam Smith Statue is a 10-foot bronze monument honouring the 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher widely regarded as the father of modern economics. Unveiled in 2008 on American Independence Day, this masterwork by sculptor Alexander Stoddart depicts Smith in his later years, surrounded by symbolic elements—a plough representing agrarian economics, a beehive symbolizing industry, and a globe beneath his hand. Positioned in an ancient marketplace within sight of St Giles' Cathedral, the statue serves as both a historical landmark and a popular meeting point for walking tours exploring Edinburgh's intellectual heritage.
A brief summary to Adam Smith Statue
- 192 Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture better photographs with softer lighting, especially if you plan to photograph the statue's intricate details and symbolic elements.
- Take time to observe the statue from multiple angles—each viewpoint reveals different symbolic elements and perspectives, from the plough and beehive to the globe and academic gown.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including St Giles' Cathedral directly behind the statue, David Hume's statue downhill, and Canongate Kirkyard where Smith is buried.
- Join a Royal Mile walking tour that uses the statue as a starting point to learn about Edinburgh's Enlightenment heritage and the broader historical context of Smith's life and work.
- Bring a notebook or use your phone to research Smith's key ideas while standing at the statue—understanding his economic theories enriches appreciation of the monument's symbolic design.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Edinburgh Castle
From Edinburgh Castle, descend the Royal Mile heading downhill toward the city centre. The walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on pace and stops. The Adam Smith Statue is located at 192 Royal Mile, positioned on the right side as you walk downhill, just west of Cockburn Street and directly in front of St Giles' Cathedral. The route is entirely pedestrian-friendly with level pavement throughout.
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Bus from Princes Street
From Princes Street, board any bus heading toward the Royal Mile or High Street area. Journey time is typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Alight at the High Street or Canongate stop, then walk a short distance (2–3 minutes) toward the Royal Mile. The statue is clearly visible and well-signposted in this busy tourist area. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Walking from Holyrood Palace
From Holyrood Palace, head northwest along the Canongate toward the Royal Mile. The walk takes approximately 10–12 minutes. Once you reach the Royal Mile, the Adam Smith Statue is immediately visible on your left, positioned in front of St Giles' Cathedral. This route follows a gentle uphill gradient and passes through the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
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Taxi or ride-share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, local firms) can drop you directly at 192 Royal Mile. Journey times from central Edinburgh locations typically range from 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Fares are generally £8–18 for short journeys within the city centre. The statue is in a busy pedestrian zone with limited vehicle access, so drivers will drop you at the nearest accessible point on the Royal Mile.
Adam Smith Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Adam Smith Statue
A Monument to Economic Thought
The Adam Smith Statue stands as a tribute to one of history's most influential thinkers. Unveiled on 4 July 2008, this 10-foot bronze sculpture commemorates Adam Smith (1723–1790), the Scottish economist and philosopher whose seminal work, The Wealth of Nations (1776), fundamentally shaped modern economic theory. Created by Alexander Stoddart, Scotland's leading monumental sculptor, the statue was unveiled by Nobel Laureate economist Vernon L. Smith, cementing its significance within the global economic community.Symbolic Design and Artistic Elements
Every detail of the statue carries profound meaning. Smith is depicted in his later life, still robust and commanding, dressed in 18th-century attire with neckwear modelled on that worn by Thomas Jefferson and a wig based on George Washington's—a deliberate reference to Smith's passionate advocacy for free trade with America. Behind him stands a plough, modelled from a contemporary example in the Scottish Farming Museum, representing the agrarian economics that Smith's theories ultimately superseded. Before him sits a beehive, symbolizing the industry and specialization that Smith believed were the foundations of human progress. Most notably, a globe rests beneath his hand, made invisible by his academic gown—a visual representation of his influence extending across the world. The gown itself evokes Smith the philosopher, while his positioning allows viewers from different angles to see either the scholar exploring eternal ideas or the practical economist engaged with worldly matters.Location and Historical Context
Situated on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the statue occupies an ancient marketplace—a location of profound appropriateness for honouring a man whose ideas transformed commerce and trade. The monument sits within view of David Hume's statue, Smith's friend and fellow Enlightenment thinker, and looks downhill towards the Canongate, where Smith lived and was buried. From this vantage point, the statue gazes towards Leith harbour, evoking trade and commerce, and across the sea to Fife, Smith's birthplace. St Giles' Cathedral stands immediately behind, completing a landscape rich with historical and intellectual resonance.Intellectual Legacy and Global Influence
Smith's contributions extended far beyond economics. As the author of The Wealth of Nations, he pioneered the concept of the modern market economy, championing specialization and free trade as drivers of prosperity. His work demolished intellectual arguments for slavery, which he opposed on both moral and practical grounds—a dimension of his legacy often overlooked in popular discourse. The statue, funded entirely by private donations from economists, institutions, and philanthropists worldwide, reflects the enduring global recognition of Smith's transformative influence on how societies organize production, exchange, and wealth creation.A Living Landmark on the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile itself pulses with life, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers that create a vibrant atmosphere around the statue. Walking tours frequently use the monument as a starting point, making it one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks. Visitors and locals alike pause before the statue to contemplate the ideas that shaped the modern world, while photographers capture its striking form against the backdrop of historic Edinburgh architecture. The statue has become an essential waypoint for those exploring Scotland's extraordinary intellectual heritage and the city's role as a centre of Enlightenment thought.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Adam Smith Statue
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Bronze tribute to the father of modern economics on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
Mercat Cross
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Edinburgh’s Mercat Cross: centuries-old market hub and ceremonial heart of the city’s royal proclamations and civic life.
The High Street Wellhead
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1 Parliament Sqr
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Barrie's Close
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Warriston's Close Stairs
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Museum Context
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Explore a unique selection of Scottish gifts and homewares at Museum Context, Edinburgh's premier souvenir shop celebrating local artisans.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO
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124 High St
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David Hume Statue
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Heritage of Edinburgh
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Lady Stair's House
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South Bridge
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Lady Stair's Close
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Gladstone's Land
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Unmissable attractions to see
JK Rowling’s Handprints
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Discover the golden handprints of J.K. Rowling at Edinburgh City Chambers, a tribute to the author’s lasting impact on the city and literary world.
The Real Mary King's Close
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Step beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into a preserved 17th-century close and uncover the city’s hidden stories of plague, poverty, and daily life.
Uncovered Edinburgh
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The Lost Close
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Edinburgh City Chambers
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Explore Edinburgh City Chambers: A Historical Gem in the Heart of Scotland's Capital, Showcasing Governance and Heritage.
ScoziaTour.com
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Discover Scotland's breathtaking beauty and rich history with ScoziaTour, your premier travel agency in Edinburgh.
St Giles' Cathedral
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Discover the historic heart of Edinburgh at St Giles' Cathedral, a symbol of Scotland’s faith, history, and architectural grandeur.
Parliament Sqr
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Historic Parliament Square in Edinburgh blends medieval charm with modern architecture at the gateway to the Royal Mile.
Advocates Close
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Discover the steep, historic alleyway of Advocates Close, where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Cockburn St
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Discover Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street, a historic serpentine link blending Scots Baronial charm with vibrant shops and lively culture.
Edinburgh Old Town
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Advocate's Cl
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Supreme Courts
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Anchor Close
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Heart of Midlothian Mosaic
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Experience the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic, a vibrant symbol of Edinburgh's football heritage and a must-see historical landmark.
Essential places to dine
Angels with Bagpipes
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Ecco Vino
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La Locanda Edinburgh
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The Piper's Rest
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The Devil's Advocate
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Discover the culinary delights at The Devil's Advocate – Edinburgh’s premier gastropub offering locally sourced dishes and an extensive drinks menu.
Ondine Restaurant
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Makars Mash Bar
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Whiski Rooms
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Experience authentic Scottish cuisine and an extensive whisky selection at Whiski Rooms in Edinburgh's city center.
The Cellar Door
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Howies Restaurant
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The Outsider Restaurant
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Savor creative European cuisine with unbeatable Edinburgh Castle views in a lively, modern setting on George IV Bridge.
Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Elegant Italian dining and wine bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town, blending authentic flavors with a cozy, romantic ambiance.
Under The Stairs
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Monteiths
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Maison Bleue
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French-Moroccan dining in a historic Old Town setting with striking design and exceptional value.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fringe Shop
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Crest Of Edinburgh
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James Pringle Weavers of Inverness
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Eden
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Discover authentic Scottish crafts and unique gifts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Cockburn Street at Eden.
Pie In The Sky Ltd
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The Scotland Shop
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Discover authentic Scottish tartans, bespoke kilts, and heritage gifts at The Scotland Shop in Edinburgh’s historic South Bridge.
I Love Scotland
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Discover authentic Scottish gifts and souvenirs at I Love Scotland, a welcoming shop in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic center.
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Discover authentic Scottish kilts, tartans, and treasures on Edinburgh's Lawnmarket, where Highland heritage meets Royal Mile magic in a shopper's delight.
scottish experience cashmere place
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Olde Edinburgh
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The Wee Gift Shop
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House of Scotland
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The Court Curio Shop
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I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger Victoria Street
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Copper Still
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Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, celebrating 20 years of serving The Best Haggis in Town!
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Whistlebinkies
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The Banshee Labyrinth
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Whiski Bar & Restaurant
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A cosy Royal Mile whisky bar with 300+ Scotch malts, hearty Scottish food and nightly live music in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The Jolly Judge
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The Oz Bar
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Frankenstein
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The Bow Bar
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Cask
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The World's End
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The Cocktail Geeks
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The Wee Pub - The Smallest Pub in Scotland
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Captain's Bar
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The Voodoo Rooms
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
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Cabaret Voltaire
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La Belle Angele
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Sneaky Pete's
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Legends
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The Mash House
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The Bongo Club
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The Liquid Room
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Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
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Why Not Nightclub
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El Barrio Latino
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Opal Lounge
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Garibaldi's
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The Shack Retro Bar & Club
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Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
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Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
